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Correspondence  to  Accompany 
iaps  and  Cherts  of  California 

By 
Cadwalader  Ringgold 


?ionaJ 
ility 


CORRESPONDENCE 


TO    ACCOMPANY 


MAPS  AND  CHARTS  OF  CALIFORNIA, 


COMMANDER  CADWALADER  RINGGOLD, 

U.  S.  NAVY. 


[::''  ■■:  •'"■ 


c 


TESTIMONIALS 


OF    THE 


MERITS  AND  ACCURACY  OF  THE  CHARTS. 


Letter  from  M.  F.  Maury,  Esq.,  Superintendent  of  National  Observatory. 

National  Observatory,  August  9,  1851. 

Sir:  I  have  had  the  pleasure  to  receive  a  copy  of  the  Series  of  Charts, 
with  sailing  directions,  &c,  for  California,  for  which  I  pray  you  to  ac- 
cept my  most  hearty  thanks.  These  beautiful  Charts  form  a  valuable 
addition  to  our  Hydrographical  information  relating  to  that  interesting 
quarter  of  the  world.  They  exhibit  the  marks  of  great  care  in  their 
construction ;  and  I  congratulate  you  upon  having  given  to  the  world  the 
most  accurate  Charts  that  have  yet  been  published,  touching  the  waters  of 
San  Francisco  and  its  approaches. 

Respectfully,  &c, 

M.  F.  MAURY. 

Capt.  Cadwalader  Ringgold,  U.  S.  N. 


CO 

en 


S  Navy  Department,  December  5,  1851. 

££      Sir:  I  am  gratified  to  acknowledge  the  receipt  of  the  "concluding 
sheet "  of  your  series  of  charts,  illustrative  of  the  waters  and  coast  of 
2  the  Bay  of  San  Francisco. 

The  style  of  execution  of  these  charts  is  eminently  creditable,  and  the 
minute  and  useful  information  they  afford  of  this  new  field  of  naviga- 
tion and  naval  interest,  cannot  but  be  highly  valuable  to  the  public,  as 
it  is  most  acceptable  to  the  department. 

1  remain,  with  great  regard,  your  obedient  servant, 

WILL.  A.  GRAHAM. 
Commander  C.  Ringgold,  U.  S.  Navy. 


Extract  of  a  letter  from  Mr.  Jones,  President  of  Board  of  Underwriters, 

New  York. 
Underwriters'  Rooms,  New  York,  September  11,  1851. 

Mr.  Jones,  President  of  the  Board  of  Underwriters,  sends  his  respects 
to  Capt.  Ringgold,  and  takes  pleasure  in  acknowledging  the  receipt  of  a 
set  of  much  admired  and  needed  Charts,  containing  the  recent  surveys 
in  California,  and  will  lay  them  before  the  Board  at  their  first  meeting. 

297097 


Letter  from  Major  A.  Mordecai,  U.  S.  Army. 

Washington  Arsenal. 

Dear  Sir  :  Accept  my  thanks  for  the  California  Charts,  which  I  re- 
ceived yesterday.  They  appear  to  be  very  well  executed,  and  the  work 
would  do  you  credit  as  a  Government  Survey,  much  more  as  a  private 
undertaking. 

Yours,  truly, 

A.  MORDECAI. 
Capt.  C.  Ringgold,  U.  S.  Navy. 


Washington,  October  3,  1851. 

My  Dear  Ringgold  :  I  received  this  morning,  with  great  pleasure,  the 
very  handsome  and  very  acceptable  present  of  your  California  Charts 
and  Sailing  Directions.  As  I  witnessed  the  serious  difficulties  and  em- 
barrassments you  encountered  in  executing  this  work,  I  can,  with  sin- 
cerity, congratulate  you  on  having  achieved  your  purpose,  and  made 
this  valuable  addition  to  the  hydrography  of  that  important  and  inter- 
esting region. 

Believe  me  always,  dear  Ringgold,  yours,  very  truly. 

JAS.  S.  WILLIAMS,  Coast  Survey. 


Letter  from  Major  Isaac  J.  Stevens. 

Office  Coast  Survey,  Washington,  Oct.  4,  1851. 

My  Dear  Sir:  In  our  annual  report  we  propose  to  introduce  a  general 
sketch  of  San  Francisco  bay,  scale  tttoVttt.  introducing  in  our  surveys 
Farallones,  Entrance,  with  north  and  south  shore,  Alcatraces,  and 
Mare  Island  Straits,  with  hydrography  and  topography,  and  making  use 
of  the  sketch  from  your  recently  published  charts — charts  which,  let  me 
say,  do  you  great  credit,  and  which  are  a  valuable  contribution  to  Ameri- 
can hydrography.  We  propose  to  give  you  full  credit  on  the  face  of  • 
the  sketch,  and  my  present  purpose  is  to  inquire  whether  you  object  to 
such  use  of  your  work. 

Yours,  very  truly,  ISAAC  J.  STEVENS. 

Capt.  Ringgold.  Assistant  in  Charge. 


In  the  Senate  of  the  United  States,  February  15,  1851. 
SURVEYS  OF  SAN  FRANCISCO  BAY. 
Mr.  GW1N.     I  wish  to  offer  the  following  resolution  : 

Resolved,  That  the  Committee  on  Commerce  be  instructed  to  inquire  into  the  expediercy  of 
directing  the  Secreta;y  of  the  Senate  to  purchase  for  the  use  of  the  Senate sets  of  the  re- 
cent surveys  of  the  waters  of  the  Bay  of  San  Francisco  and  the  river  Sacramento,  by  Commander 
C.  Ringgold,  of  the  United  States  navy. 

Mr.  President,  I  hope  this  resolution  will  be  acted  on  now,  as  the  sub- 
ject is  one  of  great  importance  to  my  constituents.  These  charts  are 
admirably  executed,  and  not  surpassed  in  accuracy  and  beauty  by  any 


5 

thing  of  the  kind  that  has  been  published.  Captain  Ringgold,  who  made 
the  surveys,  and  is  publishing  the  charts,  is  an  officer  of  the  navy  of  un- 
surpassed ability  for  the  discharge  of  this  duty.  His  acquirements,  ex- 
perience, and  acknowledged  integrity  are  a  full  guaranty  of  the  accuracy 
of  the  work.  This  is  the  only  complete  survey  of  the  bay  and  Sacra- 
mento river.  The  commerce  there  is  immense,  as  will  appear  from  the 
following  extracts  from  the  public  press  commenting  on  this  subject: 

From  the  National  Intelligencer  of  February  14th. 

At  the  latest  dates  from  San  Francisco  there  were  engaged  in  the  coasting  and  river  trade  of 
California  the  large  number  of  fifty- five  steamboats.  This  does  not  include  the  steamers  running 
down  the  coast  with  the  mails  and  passengers  for  the  Atlantic  ports. 

During  the  nine  months  ending  on  the  1st  January,  the  shortest  trip  made  between  San  Fran- 
cisco and  China  was  performed  by  the  British  barq  le  Kelso  in  forty  three  days.  The  next  short- 
est by  the  American  schooner  Mary  and  Eliza  in  fifty  days.  Various  other  quick  trips  were  made, 
varying  from  fifty-two  up  to  seventy  days. 

California. — From  the  accounts  given  of  matters  on  the  Pacific  side  of  the  continent,  San 
Francisco  is  the  wonder  of  the  age.  A  description  of  but  one  year's  operations  in  that  city  shows 
how  extraordinary  and  surprising  its  growth  has  been  in  that  short  period.  During  the  year  1850 
there  have  entered  the  port  of  San  Francisco,  from  all  foreign  ports,  1,743  vessels  ;  in  the  same 
period  the  number  of  vessels  which  cleared  was  1,461.  The  vessels  arriving  have  landed  upon 
the  Pacific  shores  35,333  males,  and  1,248  females.  The  number  which  have  left  by  said  vessels 
and  steamers  during  the  same  time  was  26,593  males,  and  8  females. 

The  total  value  of  merchandise  received  from  November  2 1st,  1849,  to  September  30th,  1850, 
in  domestic  vessels,  was  $797,275  10  ;  tonnage  of  vessels,  82,949  tons.  Total  amount  of  mer- 
chandise received  in  foreign  vessels  during  the  same  period,  $3,351,962  65  ;  tonnage  of  vessels, 
151,604  tons.  The  amount  of  gold  shipped  during  the  year  was  $29,441,581  ;  bullion  received, 
$1,722,600.  There  are  now  two  lines  of  steamships  running  regularly  from  the  isthmus,  which 
are  composed  of  eleven  steamships.  This  number  of  steamers  running  between  San  Francisco 
and  Panama  is  greater  than  the  number  employed  in  the  trade  between  New  York  and  Liverpool 
and  New  York  and  Havre  combined.  There  are,  besides,  five  other  steamers  engaged  in  the 
Panama  and  Oregon  trade.  There  are  employed  in  the  river  trade  forty-six  steamers,  with  an 
aggregate  tonnage  of  6,632  tons.  San  Francisco  has  a  population  of  35,000,  which  supports  seven 
daily  papers — as  many  as  Philadelphia  has  with  400,000  population.  But  a  few  months  ago  there 
was  nothing  of  San  Francisco  but  "  cotton  houses,"  now  there  are  one  hundred  and  seven  miles  of 
streets  laid  out,  one  quarter  of  which  is  built  upon  and  occupied,  and  over  seven  miles  of  it  sub- 
stantially planked.  Sixty  brick  houses  have  been  built,  and  one  marine  insurance  company  has 
just  been  started,  with  a  capital  of  half  a  million  of  dollars.  These  are  some  of  the  changes  which 
have  been  produced  in  San  Francisco,  and  they  defy  a  parallel  in  the  history  of  any  other  country 

From  other  papers  not  now  before  me  I  am  informed  that  there  are 
upwards  of  200  vessels  engaged  in  trade  in  the  waters  of  the  Bay  of 
San  Francisco.  They  are  without  charts,  and  great  delay  and  loss  is 
occasioned  by  the  want  of  them.  I  have  another  reason  why  I  wish  the 
government  to  have  a  large  number  of  these  charts  published.  This 
work  originated  with  the  enterprise  and  liberal  spirit  of  my  constituents. 
They  raised  the  money  that  enabled  Captain  Ringgold  to  equip  an  ex- 
pedition and  perform  the  service  in  the  admirable  manner  it  is  done. 
The  enterprising  citizens  of  California  have  caused  this  survey  to  be 
made,  and  the  government,  which  ought  to  have  made  it  without  im- 
posing the  expense  upon  private  citizens,  should  at  least  furnish  our 
commercial  marine  with  the  work. 

To  show  how  the  work  was  commenced  and  has  been  completed,  I 
will  read  the  following  letter  from  Captain  Ringgold : 

"Washington,  January  24,  1851. 

"My  Dear  Sir:  In  compliance  with  your  request,  I  have  the  honor  to  make  the  following 
statement  in  regard  to  the  recent  surveys  of  the  waters  of  San  Francisco  bay: 

*'  During  a  visit  to  California  in  1849  and  1850, 1  was  solicited  by  many  enterprising  citizens  to 
undertake  the  survey  of  a  large  portion  of  the  navigable  waters,  including  the  Sacramento  river  to 
head  of  navigation,  buoy  out  the  channels,  and  render  to  commerce  every  facility  in  my  power. 


6 

At  this  time  little  was  known  of  the  rivers  and  other  waters.  Vessels  bound  up  to  the  points  near 
the  mining  districts  were  constantly  meeting  with  delays  and  accidents  from  want  of  knowledge  of 
the  channels.  The  citizens  raised  the  necessary  funds,  and  I  immediately  organized  a  hydro- 
graphic  party.  Buoys  were  constructed,  anchors  purchased,  and  every  preparation  made  to  secure 
success.  The  surveys  were  made  upon  the  principle  of  the  coast  survey  and  exploring  expedition. 
Tidal  and  other  observations,  and  every  improvement  which  could  in  anywise  add  to  the  usefulness 
of  the  charts,  have  been  carefully  noted. 

"  The  charts  which  you  have  done  me  the  favor  to  examine,  and  now  in  course  of  publication, 
are  the  humble  results  of  my  labors  in  the  cause  of  California.  I  recommend  them,  in  full  confi- 
dence, as  faithful  and  accurate.  The  exclusive  right  to  publish  them  was  conceded  to  me  by  the 
citizens  for  whom  they  were  executed. 

"  I  am,  most  truly,  yours,  CADWALADER  RINGGOLD, 

"  Hon.  Wm.  M.  Gwin."  <<  Commander  U.  S.  Navy. 

I  have  made  these  remarks  and  read  the  extracts  from  the  public 
press,  and  Captain  Ringgold's  letter,  to  call  the  attention  of  the  Commit- 
tee on  Commerce,  as  well  as  the  Senate,  to  the  importance  of  the  sub- 
ject referred  to  them. 

The  question  being  taken,  the  resolution  was  adopted. 


Washington,  May  20,  1851. 
Hon.  Jefffrson  Davis,  Senate  of  the  United  States  : 

Sir  :  My  first  impulse  on  hearing  your  remarks,  during  the  debate  in  the 
Senate  last  session  in  regard  to  my  charts  and  surveys  of  the  Bay  of  San 
Francisco,  was  to  address  you  a  letter  in  vindication  of  a  work  which 
had  cost  me  much  labor,  and  in  the  correctness  of  which  I  entertained 
entire  confidence.  A  moment's  reflection,  however,  convinced  me  that 
it  would  be  more  becoming  on  my  part  to  permit  the  accuracy  of  my 
views  to  be  tested  by  time,  the  great  corrector  of  error  and  champion 
of  truth,  rather  than  place  myself,  even  seemingly,  in  the  position  of  an 
antagonist  of  the  distinguished  scientific  gentlemen  in  charge  of  the 
coast  survey.  In  this  conviction  I  was  confirmed  by  the  very  sincere 
respect  entertained  by  me  for  your  extensive  attainments  and  known 
liberality ;  and  the  fact,  that  "  the  gallant  sailor,  now  no  more,  whose 
science  was  equal  to  his  gallantry,"  to  whose  memory  you  referred  in 
terms  of  well  merited  commendation,  had  been  my  personal  and  cherish- 
ed friend,  I  felt  it  would  be  unmanly  and  ungenerous  in  me  to  say  or  do 
anything  which  could,  even  by  implication,  be  distorted  into  evidence  of 
a  desire  to  pluck  a  single  leaf  from  the  chaplet  that  rests  upon  his  un- 
timely grave. 

One  of  the  reasons  assigned  by  you  for  your  opposition  to  the  resolu- 
tion under  consideration,  was,  that  my  charts  differed  with  reference  to  the 
location  of  certain  islands,  from  "  a  reconnoisance  of  the  west  coast,  &c, 
from  Monterey,  in  California,  to  the  mouth  of  Columbia  river,"  issued 
to  the  world  by  the  chief  of  the  coast  survey,  with  the  official  sanction 
of  the  Government.     The  following  are  your  remarks  as  reported : 

The  following  resolution,  reported  by  Mr.  Hamlin  on  the  19th  instant  from  the  Committee  on 
Commerce,  came  up  for  consideration : 

Resolved,  That  the  Secretary  of  the  Senate  be  authorized  and  directed  to  purchase  one  thou- 
sand copies  of  the  charts  of  the  Bay  of  San  Francisco  and  adjacent  waters,  with  the  sailing  di- 
rections, by  Commander  C.  Ringgold,  of  the  United  States  navy,  at  a  price  not  exceeding  four 
dollars  per  set,  one-half  to  be  distributed  equally  amongst  the  Senators  ;  one-fourth  with  the  Sec- 
retary of  the  Navy  for  the  use  of  the  navy ;  and  the  other  fourth  to  be  deposited  with  the  Secre- 
tary of  the  Treasury,  to  be  by  him  disposed  of  as  he  shall  direct. 


Mr.  Davis,  of  Mississippi.    Mr.  President,  is  that  recommended  by  a  committee  1 

The  President.    It  is  offered  by  the  Committee  on  Commerce. 

Mr.  Hamlin.  The  attention  of  the  Committee  on  Commerce  was  drawn  to  that  subject  by  a 
resolution  offered  by  the  honorable  Senator  from  California,  (Mr.  Gwin,)  and,  at  the  request  of 
that  Senator,  Commander  Ringgold  came  before  the  committee.  By  that  officer  a  careful  and 
an  accurate  examination  and  survey  have  been  made  of  the  harbor  of  San  Francisco,  and  his 
map  contains  very  valuable  information  in  relation  to  that  coast.  It  will  be  a  long  time  before 
our  corps  of  engineers  could  get  there  to  survey  it  under  the  authority  of  the  Government,  and 
until  they  can  do  so  this  map  will  be  very  useful  to  our  commercial  marine.  The  committee 
deemed  it  important,  and  therefore  they  recommended  the  adoption  of  this  resolution. 

Mr.  Davis,  of  Mississippi.  We  are  engaged  now  in  a  preliminary  survey  or  reconnoisance  of 
that  whole  coast.  This  claims  to  be  an  accurate  survey,  as  stated  by  the  chairman  of  the  Com- 
mittee on  Commerce,  of  the  harbor  which  is  best  known  upon  the  Pacific  coast.  The  direction 
of  the  corps  employed  in  surveying  the  coast  has  been  first  to  examine  those  places  which  are  the 
least  known,  and  where  vessels  have  been  lost.  The  preliminary  observations  which  are  going 
on,  and  the  fixing  of  certain  points  upon  which  an  accurate  survey  is  hereafter  to  be  made,  is  part 
of  a  general  plan  and  policy  of  the  Government.  When  it  is  completed  we  shall  have  accurate 
maps. 

It  is  hardly  to  be  supposed  that  any  private  survey  will  reach  the  accuracy  which  should  belong 
to  a  survey  by  officers  of  the  Government,  and  I  have  always  objected  to  the  publication  of  pri- 
vate surveys,  or  their  adoption  by  the  Government,  because  it  puts  the  stamp  of  the  Government 
on  such  a  survey.  We  are  to  undergo  the  criticism  of  the  whole  world  on  every  map.  It  will  be 
recollected,  at  least  by  some  members  of  the  Senate,  that  I  made  the  most  strenuous  efforts  against 
the  publication  of  a  map  which  was  adopted  by  the  Senate,  but  which  has  been  found  grossly  in- 
accurate in  every  point  to  which  attention  has  been  especially  called. 

I  do  not  pretend  to  juige  of  this,  but  I  do  claim  that  when  the  Government  is  engaged  in  the 
survey  of  a  particular  section,  with  a  view  to  the  publication  of  a  map  on  the  faith  of  the  Govern- 
ment, it  is  improper  for  us  to  purchase  and  issue  with  the  endorsement  of  the  Government  the 
private  survey  of  any  individual,  however  well  known  and  however  entitled  to  credit  he  may  be. 
That  is  my  objection. 

Mr.  Gwin.  I  know  that  we  are  engaged  on  the  survey  of  the  coast,  and  that  when  it  is  com- 
pleted it  will  be  such  as  the  Senator  from  Mississippi  represents  that  it  will  be ;  but  we  cannot 
wait  for  the  benefit  of  that.  We  received  information  by  the  last  mail  that  the  steamer  Tennes- 
see in  passing  the  steamer  Northerner,  running  between  the  Isthmus  and  San  Francisco,  ran  into 
each  other,  and  one  of  the  owners  informs  me  that  injuries  were  done  which  it  will  cost  $20,000 
to  repair.  If  we  had  had  these  charts,  so  that  it  could  have  been  known  what  berth  to  give  each 
other,  that  injury  would  not  have  occurred.  This  is  also  a  survey  of  the  river  Sacramento,  with 
which  we  have  great  commerce,  and  it  is  drawn  up  with  great  accuracy.  J  would  state  to  the 
Senator  from  Mississippi  that  I  have  conversed  with  the  Super intc>dani  of  the  Coast  Survey, 
who  expressed  his  decided  satisfaction  with  this  survey,  and,  his  desire  that  it  should  be  pub~ 
lished  for  the  benefit  of  commerce  generally,  until  his  own  surveys  can  be  completed.  I  am 
exceedingly  anxious  that  this  map  should  be  published.  I  know  it  is  drawn  up  with  great 
care  by  a  gentleman  of  the  highest  character  who  was  connected  with  the  Exploring  Expedi- 
tion under  Commander  Wilkes.  He  is  familiar  with  the  waters,  and  he  was  employed  success- 
fully and  satisfactorily  to  the  Government,  and  I  am  sure  his  chart  will  be  of  great  use  to  the 
commerce  of  the  country." 

Mr.  Davis,  of  Mississippi.  I  did  not  question  the  accuracy  of  his  map.  I  did  not  know  any 
thing,  and  I  expressed  no  opinion  about  it.  I  did  not  choose  to  bring  that  matter  into  controversy  ; 
but,  as  the  Senator  from  California  has  turned  my  attention  to  it,  I  am  compelled  to  notice  that 
the  preliminary  observations  of  a  gallant  sailor,  now  no  more,  whose  science  was  equal  to  his  gal- 
lantry, locates  islands  seven  miles  different  from  this  chart,  which  it  is  proposed  to  publish  for  the 
use  of  the  few  vessels  which  the  Government  may  have  on  that  coast  cruising  in  those  waters. 
If  this  map  should  be  necessary  or  useful,  it  can  be  purchased  at  the  office  of  the  Depot  of  Charts 
for  the  use  of  vessels  entering  that  harbor.  That  is  a  different  proposition.  The  proposition  be- 
fore us  is,  whether  the  Senate  should  purchase  a  large  number  of  this  chart  for  circulation  and 
distribution,  thus  throwing  it  into  use  through  agents  of  the  Government.  This  is  what  I  object 
to.  If  it  were  the  best  chart  we  have,  it  might  be  purchased  for  the  use  of  our  vessels,  but  pur- 
chasing it  for  the  Senate  is  not  purchasing  it  for  the  use  of  the  vessels.  If  it  were  required  for  the 
use  of  our  vessels  it  need  not  be  the  subject  of  a  resolution  in  the  Senate.  They  have  power  to 
purchase  charts  and  furnish  them  to  vessels. 

The  resolution  was  adopted. 

Whether  you  intended  it  or  not,  the  necessary  effect  of  this  reference 
to  the  "  reconnoissance,"  under  the  official  sanction  of  the  Government, 
was  to  recognize  it  as  a  standard  of  accuracy,  any  deviation  from  which 
must  involve  error,  and  consequently  to  decide  that,  in  as  much  as  my 
charts  differed  from  that  standard  they  must  be  incorrect.     Now,  sir,  it 


8 

is  quite  true  that  my  charts  differed  on  a  very  important  point,  from  the 
reconnoissance  in  question,  and  no  person  can  be  more  perfectly  aware 
than  I  am,  of  the  responsibility  incurred  by  me,  in  thus  venturing  to 
entertain  opinions  at  variance  with  those  which  had  thus  been  ushered 
to  the  world,  under  the  imposing  auspices  of  official  authority.  I  was 
at  the  same  time,  however,  convinced  of  the  correctness  of  my  own  work, 
which  had  been  the  fruit  of  toilsome  and  painful  investigations,  aided 
by  ripened  experience  and  practical  familiarity  with  surveys  of  the  sort; 
and,  although,  a  very  humble  individual,  I  could  not  consent  to  admit 
myself  in  error,  when  I  was  conscious  I  was  right.  I  felt  convinced 
that,  whatever  difference  of  opinion  might  exist  for  the  moment,  the  cor- 
rectness of  my  observations  would  be  confirmed  and  established  beyond 
a  doubt  by  the  subsequent  examinations  of  the  very  able  and  scientific 
corps,  from  which  the  "  reconnoissance"  had  emanated ;  and  I  therefore 
determined  to  leave  to  time  the  solution  of  the  difficulty.  Nor  have  I 
been  disappointed  in  my  expectations. 

The  following  report  of  the  distinguished  gentleman  in  charge  of  the 
United  States  Coast  Survey,  to  the  Secretary  of  the  Treasury,  correct- 
ing important  errors  in  the  positions  of  the  Farallones  and  Point  Lobos, 
entrance  to  San  Francisco  Bay,  shows,  that  with  reference  to  these 
localities,  the  discrepancy  between  my  surveys  and  the  "  reconnoissance," 
has  been  corrected  by  the  very  able  officer  emplo}red  by  the  Government, 
so  as  to  make  the  difference  only  three  seconds.  I  may,  perhaps,  here 
remark,  that  my  observations  are  in  accordance,  within  fifteen  seconds, 
with  the  trigonometrical  surveys  of  the  justly  celebrated  and  accom- 
plished navigator,  Beechey,  who  determined  the  position  of  the  "  Great 
Farallon"  in  1825.  (See  Beechey  vol.,  quarto  edition,  Appendix,  geo. 
positions,  page  673.)  But  to  return  to  the  report  of  the  Chief  of  the 
Coast  Survey,  to  wit : 

From  the  Union,  2d  May,  1851. 
OFFICIAL. 
Report  of  Prof.  A.  D.  Bache,  Superintendent  of  the  United  States  Coast  Survey,  to  the  Secre- 
tary of  the  Treasury,  correcting  important  errors  in  the  position  of  the  Farallones  and  Point 
Lobos  entrance  to  San  Francitco  Bay. 

Survey  Office,  April  23,  1851. 
Sib:  I  have  the  honor  to  submit  the  following  report  from  R.  D.  Cutts,  esq.,  assistant  United 
States  coast  survey,  correcting  important  errors  in  previous  reports  as  to  the  position  of  the  Faral- 
lones and  Point  Lobos  entrance  to  San  Francisco  Bay,  which  I  respectfully  request  authority  to 
publish.     These  corrections  are  the  result  of  a  trigonometrical  survey. 

Very  respectfully,  yours, 

A.  D.  BACHE, 
W.  L.  Hodge,  esq.  Superintendent  United  States  Coast  Survey. 


Schookeh  Baltimore,  Sau  Frascisco  Bat,  February  28,  1851. 

Dear  Sir:  Under  the  head  of  the  "  Farallones,"  in  the  sailing  directions  for  the  western  coast, 
it  is  stated  that — 

"  The  southeast  islet  is  the  largest  of  the  group,  and  is  distant  from  the  fort  at  the  mouth  of  the 
harbor  twenty-eight  miles,  and  bears  from  fort  S.  68°  W.  true." 

In  the  next  edition  of  these  directions,  the  distance  may  be  stated  at  29.9  miles,  and  the  true 
course  from  the  fort,  8.  75°  12'  W. 

Adopting  for  the  starting-point  the  latitude  and  longitude  of  Fort  Point  as  given  by  Lieut. 
McArthur  in  the  published  "  Tables,"  the  latitude  of  the  South  Farallone  becomes  37°  41'  37" 
instead  of  37°  36'  30",  and  the  longitude  of  Point  Lobos  (most  western  extremity)  122°  30'  45" 
instead  of  122°  27'  30".    . 

Very  truly,  vours, 
Prof.  A.  D.  Bache  Superintendent  U.  S.  Coast  Survey.  RICHARD  D.  CUTTS. 


Here  we  have  the  correctness  of  my  work  established  within  three 
seconds,  (by  the  very  high  authority  cited  to  show  that  I  was  in  error,) 
through  a  trigometrical  survey.  Nor,  permit  me  to  add,  with  all  proper 
respect,  and  in  perfect  good  feeling,  do  I  propose  to  surrender  my  claim 
to  accuracy,  even  with  reference  to  this  "  shadow  of  a  shade  "  of  a  dis- 
crepancy, although  I  might,  in  the  spirit  of  a  generous  liberality,  which 
should  always  exist  between  rivals,  consent  to  "  compromise  "  the  mat- 
ter by  "splitting  the  difference."  Thus  far,  sir,  I  feel  I  have  been  sus- 
tained by  the  very  persons  who,  if  they  could  be  capable  of  consulting 
personal  feeling  in  a  matter  of  such  public  importance,  would  naturally 
be  most  inclined  to  prove  me  in  error ;  and  being  unwilling  to  enter  upon 
any  speculative  controversy  on  the  subject,  I  am  prepared  to  let  future 
investigations  determine  the  question  of  accuracy  on  this  and  other 
points,  between  the  "  official  reconnoissance  "  and  my  survey. 

It  is  a  source  of  deep  regret  to  me  that  I  have  felt  myself  constrained 
to  trespass  thus  far  upon  your  attention,  even  in  self  defence  and  justifi- 
cation, and  that  any  thing  should  have  occurred  to  render  such  vindica- 
tion necessary  on  my  part.  My  charts  were  not  prepared  with  any  ad 
captandum  display  to  attract  public  notice.  At  the  time  when  the  sur- 
veys were  made,  no  action  had  been  contemplated  or  at  least  commenced, 
so  far  as  the  coast  survey  was  concerned,  with  reference  to  the  waters 
that  wash  the  shores  of  the  Pacific.  The  surveys  were  originally  de- 
signed for  the  use  and  security  of  intelligent,  practical  navigators,  by 
whom,  I  trust,  their  accuracy  will  be  fully  and  fairly  tested.  Notwith- 
standing their  having  been  the  results  of  "  individual  enterprise,"  I  can- 
not deny  myself  the  satisfaction  of  entertaining  the  hope  that  they  will 
merit  the  favorable  appreciation  of  the  commercial  and  scientific  world, 
as  they  have  already  received  that  of  the  Sennie  of  the  United  States. 
In  the  event  of  their  being  supplanted  by  the  more  elaborate  charts  pre- 
pared by  the  gentleman  connected  with  the  great  national  work  known 
by  the  name  of  the  Coast  Survey,  it  will  be  quite  time,  and  become  my 
duty,  modestly,  to  withdraw  my  claims  in  their  behalf,  and  rest  satisfied 
with  the  consciousness  of  their  having  done  good  service  in  the  mean- 
while. 

I  shall  be  happy  to  hear  from  you  at  your  convenience,  and  will,  with 
your  permission,  show  any  communication  with  which  you  may  honor 
me,  to  my  friends,  or  publish  it,  if  necessary. 

I  am,  with  great  respect,  your  obedient  servant, 

CAD WALADER  RINGGOLD, 

Commander  U.  S.  Navy. 


Brierfield,  October  19,  1851. 
C.  Ringgold,  Commandant  U.  S.  Navy. 

Sir:  Absence  from  home,  succeeded  by  long  illness,  has  caused  a  de- 
lay in  my  reply  to  your  letter  of  May  29,  which  I  the  more  regret,  be- 
cause I  have  now  no  power  to  give  you  an  answer  which  can  be  of  the 
least  importance  to  you.  My  remarks  on  the  proposition  submitted  to 
the  Senate  to  purchase  one  thousand  copies  of  the  charts  of  the  bay  of 
San  Francisco,  which  had  been  prepared  by  yourself,  were  founded  upon 
a  rule  which  has  governed  me  in  other  cases,  and  which  I  now  believe 


10 

to  be  correct.  I  had  no  ability  to  judge  of  the  accuracy  of  the  chart  and 
disavowed  any  purpose  to  express  any  opinion  upon  that  point.  My 
notice  of  the  discrepancy  between  your  chart  and  Lieut.  McArthur's  re- 
connoissance,  was  in  reply  to  Mr.  Gwin.  It  was  not  stated  as  conclu- 
sive against  either  work,  but  it  certainly  did  justify  the  caution  which 
I  exhibited.  You  will  further  observe  that  I  made  no  objection  to  the 
purchase  of  your  charts  in  the  ordinary  mode,  but  only  to  that  proposed 
by  the  resolution.  As  little  was  it  my  purpose  to  make  any  invidious 
comparisons,  or  in  any  degree  to  detract  from  your  reputation,  or  the 
merits  of  your  work.  Nor  do  I  think  such  conclusion  can  be  drawn  by 
any  one  who  will  notice  my  distinct  declaration,  that  I  knew  nothing, 
and  expressed  no  opinion  about  its  accuracy.  Tf  I  had  possessed  such 
knowledge  and  claimed  such  ability  to  judge,  and  had  expressed  an 
opinion,  it  could  have  no  effect  against  the  fact  which  you  communicate 
to  me,  that  further  observations  by  the  officer  in  charge  of  the  United 
States  Coast  Survey,  of  the  section  including  San  Francisco,  reduces  the 
discrepancy  between  your  chart  and  the  previous  reconnoissance,  to  a 
difference  of  three  seconds.  This  being  evidence  much  above  the  opin- 
ion of  any  one  in  favor  of  the  accuracy  of  your  chart.  If  further  obser- 
vations should  still  further  confirm  it  until  "this  shadow  of  a  shade"  of 
a  discrepancy,  as  you  express  it,  shall  disappear,  be  assured  it  will  be  to 
me  a  source  of  gratification,  not  the  less,  because  I  was  unwilling,  under 
the  circumstances  in  which  it  was  presented,  to  give  the  Government 
endorsement  to  an  individual  enterprise,  similar  to  the  work  on  which 
the  Government  was  engaged,  and  to  perform  which,  a  corps  was  sup- 
ported by  annual  appropriations. 

Your  letter  so  far  from  being  regarded  in  the  light  which  you  seemed 
to  fear,  that  of  trespass  upon  my  attention,  has  been  read  with  interest 
and  that  sympathy  which  I  always  feel  with  any  one  who  believes  him- 
self called  upon  to  vindicate  or  defend  himself  against  injustice.  If  any 
have  endeavored  to  depreciate  your  work  because  the  Government  had 
furnished  no  scientific  corps  to  aid  you,  or  intimated  that  your  charts 
were  "  prepared  with  any  ad  captandum  display  to  attract  public  notice," 
it  is  a  course  repugnant  to  my  feelings,  as  I  am  sure  it  is  to  those  of  the 
great  majority  of  our  countrymen,  who  I  have  found  predisposed  to  exalt 
rather  than  lower  the  results  of  unaided  exertion. 

With  high  esteem,  and  the  kindest  personal  consideration,  I  remain 
yours,  JEFFERSON  DAVIS. 


11 


OPINIONS  OF  THE  PRESS. 


From  the  Washington  Union. 

A  SERIES  OF  CHARTS  AND  SAILING  DIRECTIONS:   BY  COMMANDER  RING- 
GOLD, U.  S.  N. 

Our  thanks  are  due  to  Commander  Cadwalader  Ringgold,  United 
States  navy,  for  a  series  of  charts,  with  sailing  directions,  embracing  the 
results  of  his  surveys  of  the  Farallones — two  clusters  of  rocks  which, 
in  consequence  of  the  shoals  about  them,  are  extremely  dangerous  to 
vessels  approaching  San  Francisco  in  foggy  weather — of  the  entrance  to 
and  harbor  of  San  Francisco,  and  of  the  adjacent  bays,  straits,  and  rivers. 

These  surveys  were  made  by  Commander  Ringgold  in  1849  and  1850, 
at  the  request  of  many  enterprising  citizens  of  California,  who  saw  the 
importance  and  necessity  of  the  immediate  execution  of  the  work,  both 
as  regards  the  foreign  and  inland  commerce  of  the  State.  The  result, 
though  obtained  under  many  difficulties  and  with  great  labor,  may  be 
relied  on  as  strictly  correct,  and  will  add  very  materially  to  the  security 
and  advantage  of  all  persons  engaged  in  navigating  those  seas. 

The  charts,  six  in  number,  are  executed  in  the  highest  style  of  hydro- 
graphic  art,  and  are  appropriately  inscribed  to  William  H.  Aspinwall,  of 
New  York,  both  on  account  of  personal  considerations  and  because  of 
the  intimate  connexion  of  that  gentleman  with  the  Pacific  steam  mail 
line,  the  early  and  successful  establishment  of  which  contributed  so 
largely  and  beneficially  in  the  development  of  the  vast  resources  of  Cali- 
fornia. 

We  look  upon  these,  the  first  authentic  surveys  of  the  waters  of  the 
bay  of  San  Francisco  and  tributaries  which  have  been  given  to  the  pub- 
lic, as  of  the  highest  importance  to  the  shipping  and  commercial  intersts 
of  the  world;  and  while  giving  our  meed  of  praise  to  the  talent,  ener- 
gy, and  scientific  skill  displayed  by  Commander  Ringgold  in  prosecuting 
this  work,  it  is  proper  also  to  notice  the  handsome  acknowledgments  he 
makes  for  the  valuable  assistance  he  received  from  Lieutenant  Samuel 
R.  Knox  and  Simon  F.  Blunt,  United  States  navy,  from  gentlemen  con- 
nected with  the  coast  survey,  and  from  Mr.  Frederick  D.  Stuart,  of  this 
city,  by  whom  all  the  observations  and  data  upon  which  the  charts  are 
based  and  projected  have  been  rigidly  scrutinized,  and  to  whose  experi- 
ence and  skill  as  a  hydrographer  the  truly  elegant  appearance  of  the 
charts  is  mainly  to  be  ascribed.  We  copy  from  the  "  Sailing  Directions" 
the  following  description  of  the  bay  of  San  Francisco,  and  directions  for 
making  the  coast  and  entering  the  harbor : 

GENEEAL   REMARKS. 

Bay  of  San  Francisco. — The  approach  from  the  harbor  to  the  sea  is 
striking  and  bold.  The  Farallones,  a  group  of  small  islands,  twenty- 
seven  miles  distant — the  South  or  Great  Farallon  having  a  lofty  peak,  a 
fit  landmark,  even  without  a  light-house,  for  all  vessels  either  entering 
or  departing — are  the  first  objects  of  interest. 

Table  Hill,  Punto  de  los  Reyes,  Monte  Diablo,  and  other  majestic 
heights  and  points,  are  conspicuous  throughout  the  vast  range  of  moun- 
tains that  bound  the  coast. 


12 

After  passing  the  "  Golden  Gate,"  the  bay  spreads  north  and  south, 
forming  an  expanse,  bounded  by  lofty  mountains  and  rich  valleys,  justly 
and  truly  deserving  the  name  of  an  inland  sea. 

Islands  are  scattered  about  as  well  for  useful  and  commercial  pur- 
poses as  for  beauty  and  romantic  variety.  Among  them,  "  Angel  Isle" 
is  conspicuous  for  its  towering  summits,  its  oak  groves,  graceful  slopes, 
and  soft  climate. 

After  some  experience  in  many  parts  of  the  world,  I  freely  venture  the 
opinion  that  there  is  no  sheet  of  water  on  the  globe  better  adapted  for 
great  national  and  commercial  purposes  than  the  bay  of  San  Francisco 
and  its  vast  tributaries. 


From  the  Washington  American  Telegraph. 
THE  HARBORS  OF  CALIFORNIA. 

Our  thanks  are  due  to  Commander  Cadwalader  Ringgold,  of  the  U. 
S.  Navy,  for  a  series  of  charts,  with  sailing  directions,  embracing  sur- 
veys of  the  Farallones  entrance  to  the  bay  of  San  Francisco,  bays  of 
San  Francisco  and  San  Pablo,  straits  of  Carquines  and  Suisun  bay,  con- 
fluence and  deltic  branches  of  the  Sacramento  and  San  Joaquin  rivers, 
and  the  Sacramento  river  (with  the  middle  fork)  to  the  American  river, 
including  the  cities  of  Sacramento  and  Boston,  State  of  California.  The 
surveys  were  made  by  Com.  Ringgold,  in  the  years  1849  and  1850,  as- 
sisted by  Edwin  Cullburg,  Lieutenant  of  the  Hydrotechnic  corps  of  the 
Sweedish  Navy ;  T.  A.  Emmett,  civil  engineer ;  Samuel  R.  Knox,  Lieut. 
U.  S.  N. ;  William  P.  Humphrey,  and  J.  Rowe,  civil  engineers ;  and 
Simon  F.  Blunt,  Lieut.  U.  S.  N. ;  and  the  charts  were  prepared  from 
them  by  Mr.  Frederick  D.  Stuart,  a  skillful  hydrographer  of  this  city, 
and  late  of  the  U.  S.  Exploring  Expedition,  assisted  by  A.  Campbell, 
civil  engineer ;  and  John  Tyssowski  and  Chas.  Everett,  draughtsmen. 
The  lithographic  printing  is  very  beautifully  executed  by  C.  B.  Graham, 
of  Washington  ;  the  letterpress  by  J.  T.  Towers. 

These  charts  are  universally  acknowledged  by  competent  judges,  to 
be  the  best  that  have  ever  been  made  of  those  important  coasts  and  har- 
bors. The  accompanying  sailing  directions  and  tidal  observations  en- 
hance their  value,  and  their  author  may  justly  be  proud  of  having  con- 
tributed so  greatly  to  increase  the  facilities  for  that  commerce  which  is 
destined  to  work  a  great  change  in  the  condition  of  the  world.  The  fact 
that  this  work  was  undertaken  at  the  pressing  request  of  a  large  number 
of  the  most  prominent  merchants  of  San  Francisco,  and  is  highly  com- 
mended by  them  and  by  all  others  for  its  faithful  execution,  shows  the 
value  of  the  charts  for  commercial  purposes. 

In  our  examination  of  them  and  the  accompanying  explanations,  we 
were  much  struck  with  the  wonderful  natural  advantages  which  Cali- 
fornia possesses.  The  entrance  to  the  harbor  of  San  Francisco  is  nar- 
row, so  that  it  may  be  easily  commanded  by  forts  on  both  sides ;  it  then 
widens  suddenly  into  a  capacious  bay,  large  enough  to  contain  the  whole 
British  navy.  On  the  inner  part  of  the  bay,  to  the  right  of  the  entrance, 
lies  the  city  of  San  Francisco.  The  bay  of  San  Francisco  is  connected, 
on  its  north  side,  with  the  bay  of  San  Pablo,  on  whose  eastern  margin 
lies  the  city  (in  future)  of  Vallejo,  (pronounced  Vallaho.)  the  capital  of 
California.     The  straits  ol  Carquines  connect  this  bay  with  that  of  Val- 


13 

lejo ;  this  joins  the  bay  of  Suisun,  into  which  flows  the  rivers  Sacramento 
and  San  Joaquin,  the  former  from  the  north,  the  latter  from  the  south. 
At  the  head  of  the  Sacramento  river  lie  Boston  and  Sacramento  city. 
On  the  San  Joaquin  and  its  tributaries,  are  Stockton,  San  Joaquin,  and 
Stanislaus  city.  Thus,  from  the  interior  of  the  country  to  the  bay  of 
San  Francisco,  there  is  a  long  chain  of  rivers  and  bays,  by  which  the 
produce  of  the  State  can  be  readily  transported  to  the  Pacific.  Viewing 
all  this  in  connection  with  the  vast  mineral  wealth  of  California,  and  its 
advantageous  situation  on  the  ocean,  we  can  assign  no  limit  to  its  com- 
mercial prosperity. 


From  the  Washington  Republic. 
CHARTS  OF  CALIFORNIA. 

We  have  been  presented  with  a  set  of  beautiful  hydrogrphic  charts 
of  that  portion  of  the  coast  and  estuaries  of  California  which  is  most 
navigated,  formed  from  sruveys  by  Commander  Cadwalader  Ringgold, 
of  the  United  States  Navy,  accompanied  by  explanatory  remarkes  by 
this  officer,  in  which  he  awards  great  credit  to  several  gentlemen  from 
whom  he  derived  assistance,  including  Lieutenant  Samuel  R.  Knox, 
Messrs.  Wm.  P.  Humphreys,  J.  H.  Rowe,  T.  A.  Emmett,  Edwin  Cull- 
berge,  Lieutenant  Simon  F.  Blunt,  Captain  Peter  Hansen,  and  espe- 
cially in  the  preparations,  superintendence,  and  construction  of  the  charts 
to  our  townsman,  Mr.  Frederic  D.  Stuart,  formerly  of  the  United  States 
Exploring  Expedition.  The  following  charts  are  comprised  in  the 
series : 

A  General  Chart. — Embracing  the  entire  survey,  with  air  line  and 
river  distances,  between  principal  points  of  the  State. 

Sheet  No.  1. — Farallones,  and  entrance  to  San  Francisco. 

Sheet  No.  2. — Bays  of  San  Francisco  and  San  Pablo,  Napa  Straits, 
and  entrance  to  Carquines  Straits. 

Sheet  No.  3. — Straits  of  Carquines  and  Suisun  Bay. 

Sheet  No.  4. — Confluence  and  del  tic  branches  of  the  Sacramento  and 
San  Joaquin  rivers,  and  the  Sacramento  river,  including  the  cities  of 
Sacramento  and  Boston. 

Sheet  No.  5. — Charts  of  the  principal  harbors,  on  enlarged  scales. 

The  coast  line,  together  with  the  islands,  rocks,  shoals,  depth  of  water, 
&c,  &c,  such  as  are  peculiar  to  the  best  description  of  modern  hydro- 
graphic  charts,  are  given  with  great  completeness,  and  we  have  no 
doubt — from  the  professional  ability  of  Captain  Ringgold  and  those  as- 
sociated with  him  in  this  work — with  perfect  accuracy. 

The  extensive  commerce  which  has  been  opened  in  this  quarter,  since 
our  acquisition  of  the  auriferous  State,  render  these  charts  of  the  high- 
est value  to  navigators:  and  they  are  besides  very  creditable  to  Ameri- 
can scientific  skill  and  ability. 


From  the  Baltimore  American. 

NEW  MAP  OF  CALIFORNIA. 

It  will  be  seen  by  the  advertisement  in   another  column  that  the  new 

and  beautiful  map  of  California,  with  chart  of  the  various  bays,  rivers, 

entrances,  &c,  of  that  State,  and  complete  sailing  directions  for  the 


297097 


14 

waters  of  California,  prepared  by  that  accomplished  officer  Commander 
Cadwalader  Ringgold,  of  the  United  States  navy,  have  been  published  and 
are  now  ready  for  delivery.  The  National  Intelligencer,  in  speaking  of 
the  charts,  remarks  that  "  those  works  are  executed  with  a  minuteness 
and  precision  which  leave  nothing  for  navigators  to  desire  in  the  way  of 
guide  or  pilotage."  Copies  of  the  above  have  been  received  by  us,  and 
we  find  them,  on  examination,  to  be  well  worthy  the  commendations 
bestowed  on  them  and  the  gallant  officer  by  whom  they  were  prepared. 
The  great  minuteness  of  the  details  shows  how  accurately  the  work 
was  performed,  and  the  execution  of  the  whole  reflects  the  highest 
credit  on  Commander  Ringgold  and  his  able  assistants. 


From  the  Baltimore  Clipper. 

SERIES  OF  CHARTS. 
We  have  received  from  Commander  Cadwalader  Ringgold,  of  the 
United  States  navy,  a  series  of  beautifully  executed  charts  of  the  bays, 
rivers,  &c,  of  California,  with  a  pamphlet  containing  sailing  directions. 
By  furnishing  these  charts  and  the  accompanying  directions  Comman- 
der Ringgold  has  rendered  a  most  important  service  to  the  country,  and 
particularly  to  the  commercial  portion  of  it.  For  neatness  of  execu- 
tion the  charts  cannot  be  excelled ;  and  as  they  are  made  from  actual 
survey,  there  can  be  no  doubt  of  their  entire  accuracy. 


From  the  Baltimore  Sun. 
SURVEYS  IN  CALIFORNIA. 

We  have  received  a  series  of  charts,  compiled  from  surveys  in  Califor- 
nia, conducted  by  Commander  C.  Ringgold,  United  States  navy,  assisted 
by  Lieutenants  Blunt  and  Knox,  and  gentlemen  of  the  Engineer  Depart- 
ment. They  embrace  charts  of  the  entrance  to  the  bay  of  San  Francis- 
co, the  Sacramento  river  from  Suisun  city  to  the  American  river,  the 
Suisun  and  Valejo  bays,  bay  of  San  Pablo,  Straits  of  Carquines,  and 
part  of  the  bay  of  San  Francisco,  &c.  They  are  executed  in  a  very  su- 
perior manner,  and  were  projected  and  drawn  by  Fred.  D.  Stuart,  hy- 
drographer,  and  assistants.  The  surveys  seem  to  have  been  very  elabor- 
ate ;  and,  with  the  minuteness  of  detail,  must  add  greatly  to  the  facility 
of  navigation  in  the  respective  localities  exhibited.  They  are  an  evi- 
dence of  the  attention  of  the  government  to  an  important  feature  of  our 
national  interests  in  this  new  domain,  and  at  the  same  time  will  con- 
tribute largely  to  the  advantage  and  convenience  of  its  citizens.  They 
are  accompanied  with  a  pamphlet  in  which  a  variety  of  incidental  de- 
tails are  communicated ;  and  the  whole  work  reflects  the  highest  credit 
upon  the  skill  and  care  of  all  concerned  in  its  prosecution  and  publica- 
tion. 


From  the  Brooklyn  Daly  Eagle. 
CALIFORNIA  CHARTS. 

The  rapid  settlement  of  California,  and  the  unexampled  commercial 
activity  which  has  filed  its  bays  and  harbors  with  shipping,  steamboats, 
and  every  variety  of  water  craft,  has  called  for  an  accurate  survey  of  its 


15 

waters,  the  mapping  of  its  channels  and  the  posting  of  buoys  to  mark 
the  lines  of  safety.  This  work  was  undertaken,  during  the  last  year,  by 
one  of  our  naval  officers,  Commander  Cadwalader  Ringgold,  assisted  by 
a  competent  hydrographic  company,  and  a  series  of  splended  maps  have 
been  produced  which  have  just  been  given  to  the  public  together  with 
suitable  sailing  directions,  The  maps  have  been  prepared  under  the  di- 
rection of  Frederic  D.  Stuart,  one  of  our  citizens,  (connected  with  the 
exploring  expedition,)  whose  skill  and  experience  as  a  hydrographer  are 
admirably  displayed  in  this  work.  The  accruacy  and  minuteness  of  the 
surveys  are  wonderful,  and  the  immense  advantage  which  the  work 
must  be  to  commerce  will  be  readily  conceived. 


From  the  Baltimore  Patriot. 

We  have  received  copies  of  a  series  of  beautiful  charts  with  sailing 
directions,  embracing  surveys  of  the  most  important  bays  and  harbors 
in  California.  They  are  most  gratifying  evidences  of  the  high  scientific 
skill  of  Com.  Cadwalader  Ringgold,  of  the  U.  S.  Navy,  by  whom  the 
surveys  were  made,  for  which  the  charts  were  drawn.  The  surveys 
were  made  by  him  in  1849  and  1850,  whilst  on  a  visit  to  California,  and 
are  in  all  respects  complete.  Such  charts  as  these  reflect  honor  on  the 
country,  and  must  be  invaluable  to  all  engaged  in  the  navigation  of  the 
waters  that  flow  from  and  belong  to  the  land  of  gold. 


From  the  New  York  Evening  Express. 

SERIES  OF  CHARTS  WITH   SAILING  DIRECTIONS,  BY  CADWALADER  RING- 
GOLD, COMMANDER  U.  S.  NAVY. 

This  is  an  exceedingly  useful  and  valuable  publication,  and  deserves 
the  heartiest  patronage  of  the  mercantile  interest.  The  series  embraces 
surveys  of  Farallones,  entrance  to  the  bay  of  San  Francisco,  bays  of 
San  Francisco  and  San  Pablo,  Straits  of  Carquines  and  Suisun  Bay, 
Confluence  and  Deltic  Branches  of  the  Sacramento  and  San  Joaquin 
rivers,  and  the  Sacramento  river,  (with  the  middle  fork,)  to  the  Ameri- 
can river,  including  the  cities  of  Sacramento  and  Boston,  in  the  State  of 
California.  The  charts  are  elegantly  executed,  and  well  may  the  ac- 
complished author  rejoice  over  such  a  work,  in  the  reflection  that  he  has 
contributed  so  considerably  to  the  stock  of  useful  information,  in  rela- 
tion to  this  important  and  interesting  portion  of  our  country.  The  let- 
ter-press volume,  descriptive  and  explanatory  of  the  charts,  contains  in- 
teresting matter,  and  is  a  necessary  key  to  the  maps. 

This  work  has  been  most  appropriately  incribed  to  Mr.  Aspinwall,  of 
this  city,  as  the  president  of  the  pioneer  steam  line  to  California  from 
New  York.  To  all  concerned  in  that  trade,  to  those  engaged  in  mining 
operations,  to  the  inhabitants  of  California  themselves,  these  maps  must 
be  exceedingly  valuable.  The  views  of  the  different  localities,  so  graph- 
ically executed,  are  very  appropriately  added,  and  form  a  curious  and 
interesting  enhancement  of  the  attractiveness  and  value  of  the  work. 


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